Monday, October 6, 2025 – What if development did not have to repeat the same failed models?

This question is the main premise of the book Reimagining Development in Southeast Asia: Alternative Practices from the Grassroots and Social Movements. On Monday, October 6, 2025, the Department of Anthropology held a soft launch of the book Reimagining Development in Southeast Asia: Alternative Practices from the Grassroots and Social Movements. This book is the result of collaboration between a number of researchers who highlight various social, political, and geographical contexts in the Southeast Asian region. Through various field studies and theoretical reflections, this book places alternative development as its main focus, while inviting readers to reimagine the meaning of progress from the perspective of communities that have often been marginalized in mainstream development discourse.

Furthermore, the authors also invite us to question the perspective that limits people’s experiences within the framework of the nation-state. The division of regions such as “Southeast Asia” is in fact inseparable from the excesses of colonialism, which sought to compartmentalize social and cultural spaces into separate entities. Through this lens, Reimagining Development in Southeast Asia not only discusses alternative forms of development, but also how we can reimagine cross-border relationships—both historical and cultural—which are in fact a vital source for the emergence of grassroots development practices.

At the book’s soft launch on Monday, two of its authors, Ananeza P. Aban, PhD Researcher from Ghent University, and Jose Monfred C. Sy, PhD Researcher from the University of Hong Kong, were present to give a brief presentation on the outline of the book and the main topics discussed. Both highlighted how local initiatives and social movements in various Southeast Asian countries can become forms of alternative development that seek to break away from colonial formats and renegotiate power relations in the global context.

This event also provided a space for participants to revisit the concept of development, which has been dominated by global perspectives and mainstream economic policies. Through this launch, the authors hope to open a broader conversation about the future of development in the region, how grassroots experiences can be a source of inspiration for a more inclusive and sustainable direction of development, and encourage researchers to participate in documenting local development practices—especially in Southeast Asia.

[Antropologi Budaya, Daiva Keefe Kalimasadha]

Yogyakarta, October 9th, 2025 – Students from the Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), are actively participating in the Al-Istiqama International Arabic Public Speaking Competition 2025, an international Arabic speech contest organized by the Omani Research and Studies Centre in collaboration with Istiqama Academy and the Arabic Debate Club. This prestigious event, held under the theme of nurturing eloquence, leadership, and global understanding, gathers high school and university students from around the world to showcase their Arabic communication skills.

The competition features two stages: the online qualifying round, where participants submit a 3–5 minute speech video by October 10, 2025, and the semi-final and final rounds, which will take place on November 7, 2025, at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Contestants will address one of several themes, such as “Education and Innovation as Our Path to Leadership” and “The Role of Youth in Building a Peaceful Future.” Winners will receive total prizes amounting to RM 20,000 (approximately USD 4,700).

The Arabic Study Program at UGM provides full support for its students joining this competition. The department organizes intensive coaching sessions, helps students record and edit their competition videos, and provides academic and technical assistance to ensure the best possible preparation. This initiative reflects the program’s dedication to encouraging students to hone their public speaking, linguistic, and intercultural communication skills on the international stage.

Through this participation, UGM continues to foster an environment that empowers students to represent Indonesia in global academic and cultural arenas while embodying the values of confidence, eloquence, and collaboration. The Arabic Study Program’s support for this event also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)—by promoting global educational collaboration and student empowerment through language and culture.

[Arabic Literature, Muhammad Ardiansyah]

Yogyakarta, October 13, 2025 — The Korean Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, organized a book distribution event for History of Korea to students enrolled in the course Cross-Cultural Understanding Between Korea and Indonesia. The event took place in Room 305, Building F, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, alongside the KAGAMA Korea Scholarship Award Ceremony for the Odd Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year.

The History of Korea book, authored by Prof. Yang Seung-yoon, Head of the Special Branch of KAGAMA South Korea, was symbolically presented by the Head of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program. This initiative represents a form of academic support aimed at enhancing the quality of learning and enriching students’ understanding of Korean history and culture.

Through this activity, students are expected to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Korea’s historical development over time. The book also serves as an additional learning resource to support the History of Korea course and to strengthen students’ global literacy in understanding diverse socio-cultural contexts.

Moreover, this activity reflects the ongoing synergy between the Korean Language and Culture Study Program of UGM and KAGAMA Korea in fostering sustainable international academic collaboration. This partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing educational quality and promoting cross-national cooperation in alignment with the principles of sustainability.\

[Language and Korean Culture, Eunike Serafia N.S]

Yogyakarta, October 7, 2025 – Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has once again achieved an outstanding milestone in the global education arena. According to the 2025 EduRank global ranking, UGM secured the first position in Indonesia and ranked 564th in the world, placing it among the top 50% of universities across 186 research fields.

This achievement serves as tangible evidence of UGM’s consistency in realizing quality education (SDG 4) through strengthened research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. EduRank recorded a total of 58,718 academic publications and 317,379 citations affiliated with UGM, reflecting the university’s significant contribution to global knowledge development.

The ranking was determined based on three main factors: research performance, non-academic reputation, and the impact of its alumni. The contributions of 101 distinguished alumni further enhance UGM’s influence in building sustainable partnerships and collaborations across various sectors, aligning with the spirit of partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).

Moreover, this accomplishment also reflects UGM’s commitment to promoting innovation and resilient infrastructure (SDG 9) through impactful research that directly benefits society. By prioritizing solution-oriented and relevant studies, UGM continues to play an active role in fostering innovations that support sustainable development in Indonesia and beyond.

Through this achievement, UGM reaffirms its dedication to strengthening the role of higher education in shaping an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future for all.

[Public Relations of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM – Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, September 29, 2025 – The Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, continued its Entrepreneurship lecture series with the fifth meeting featuring Sofian Munawar, S.S., M.A., Founder of Ruang Baca Komunitas. In this session, students were invited to explore the concept of social entrepreneurship, a business approach that prioritizes solving social, environmental, and community issues through innovative and sustainable methods.

The lecture highlighted that social entrepreneurship is not merely profit-driven but instead focuses on social missions, innovation, sustainability, and generating real impact for communities. In the context of literature and language studies, this can be applied through creative literacy initiatives such as reading and writing workshops, digital literacy development, promoting a reading culture, and expanding public access to educational resources.

Students of the Arabic Study Program were also introduced to various examples of social entrepreneurship practices, both globally and locally. Inspiring cases such as Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, Warby Parker in the United States, and Indonesia’s National Literacy Movement showcased how social enterprises can improve quality of life while fostering independence. Locally, best practices from Yogyakarta were presented, including CV Agradaya Indonesia, which promotes sustainable spice farming; Yayasan Penyandang Cacat Mandiri, which empowers people with disabilities through woodcraft; and Sayur Sleman Academy, which trains young agripreneurs. These examples served as both motivation and inspiration for students to see the potential in their own fields.

The lecture also addressed the challenges facing literacy movements, such as limited resources, lack of student motivation, and barriers to technology access. However, students were encouraged to view these challenges as opportunities for innovation through collaboration among schools, families, and communities. This perspective reinforced the idea that literacy is not confined to classrooms but is brought to life through community activities, local culture, and digital platforms.

Through this session, Arabic Study Program students not only gained a conceptual understanding of social entrepreneurship but were also challenged to develop real initiatives rooted in literature and language that could bring tangible benefits to society. This lecture also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by strengthening literacy movements, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by fostering social enterprises that create meaningful jobs, and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through inclusive community empowerment programs.

[Arabic Literature, Muhammad Ardiansyah]